Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 306 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 222 out of 306
  2. Mixed: 62 out of 306
  3. Negative: 22 out of 306
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  1. nastyjes
    Jul 16, 2023
    8
    Great remaster of a great game .
  2. DorlGaming
    Jun 4, 2023
    8
    Great fun first person shooter, with some issues only because age of the game. HD remaster is good too. If you like fun fps gaming, that's for you.
  3. Nick7000
    Mar 9, 2023
    8
    Немного докучает Египтообразность игры, но в остальном это прекрасный ремастер, нареканий нет.
  4. LT_Gruber
    Jan 13, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nice upgrade from the original game with some extra content.

    Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter was the first ever remake that I bought and was excited for, before it became a standard for a quick cash grab. At the time, I was hyped and amazed by how good the old gem of a game looked all of a sudden.

    In the core, it is still the exact same game. The earth is under attack by Mental and his alien horde and earth is overrun, lost completely in disarray. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, you are teleported back in time to ancient Egypt to, hopefully, change the course of history in favor of humanity. You travel to different parts of Egypt, including Karnak, Luxor, the suburbs of ancient Cairo and the Valley of the Kings.

    On your journey, hordes and hordes of Mentals monsters attack you from all directions and you blast your way to the Great Pyramid, where you defeat Ugh-Zan IV, Mentals most powerful general. After that, you leave a phone message for Mental, telling him that you are coming for his ass and then fly away in your spaceship, which is put down by stupid Serious Sam fans flying in a rocket crate cart and crash into you, starting the Second Encounter.

    The graphics are nice and polished. Enemy models, the weapons and the environments are more detailed and look very good. You can new gib every enemy, including the Bio Mechanoids. The gore is the biggest improvement here. More body parts, more blood, more carnage. I almost sound like a maniac praising this kind of stuff. I really liked the new look of the Biomechanoids, they look a lot more aggressive and dangerous.

    I have to say that I did not necessarily liked the new models for Ugh-Zan IV and the Alduran Reptiloids. They looked a little cartoony and goofy in comparison to their original counterparts. Also, the mechanic in which the Scythian Witch Harpies caried Kamikazes to the field, is no more due to issues with the improved Serious Engine. A little disappointing but not the end of the world.

    The sound and music are unchanged, besides some weapon firing sounds are enemy grunts.

    Games like Diablo II: Resurrected and many more this day, offer only an upgrade on the graphics and nothing more. Serious Sam HD: The first encounter however offers a little more, something that I can respect. You now got a survival mode, in which you can earn medals, the longer you survive, you got different multiplayer modes like Beast Hunt and My Burden. Although this modes never gained much popularity, it is a nice variation for those who liked it. They did include new multiplayer Deathmatch maps however, which is always nice.

    A special note must be made for the split-screen functionality that the game still has. Back in the day, it was nothing special, but today, split screen is dying so more copies of a game can be sold (right EA?) so every game that still has it, earns my respect.

    In conclusion, Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a nice upgrade in terms of visuals, offers some new multiplayer features and made the game feel fresh. However, looking back, it was not entirely necessary and with the knowledge of today, with remakes being a business model, I am glad that I experienced this remake in a fun and positive way. I believe this is mainly because I have mad respect for Croteam and its developers and so far, they did not disappoint in their sequels and games.

    For this personal reason, I would surely recommend it.    … Expand
  5. KuroZerro
    May 9, 2022
    10
    i see some people say that this remake did take the game own charm if you like the old graphics then play the classic game bro.
  6. Dco326
    Oct 10, 2021
    8
    Dobra igrica, samo postane tedious posle nekog vremena, malo nema raznovrsnosti u protivnicima. Sve u svemu osmica, dobra pricica lagana ali nista wow.
  7. ImperialYama
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    I can replay this Game just endless. It never gets boring. Sam is a cool guy.
  8. slider1983
    Jul 31, 2020
    9
    Croteam decided to eventually start remaking the games so an HD updated was released in 2009 called Serious Sam: The First Encounter HD. Graphics are obviously now in HD, using the same engine as was used in Serious Sam 3: BFE (2011). As expected graphics look lovely now with added detail for environments, weapons and enemies. You can now see the grimy detail on the rocket launcher.Croteam decided to eventually start remaking the games so an HD updated was released in 2009 called Serious Sam: The First Encounter HD. Graphics are obviously now in HD, using the same engine as was used in Serious Sam 3: BFE (2011). As expected graphics look lovely now with added detail for environments, weapons and enemies. You can now see the grimy detail on the rocket launcher. Lighting and bloom highlights areas of the map more. Enemies get destroyed in a more gory and exciting manner. All this detail is really useful for enemies like golems which lacked detail in the original due to the first Serious Sam Engine’s technical limitations. Some of the gameplay has also been tinkered with; for the better or worse depending on how you see it. Hit damage has been changed. Cannons now thankfully fire faster yet the double barrel shotgun does less damage to enemies further away so forget about destroying kleers from far away. Worse; the pump-action shotgun is now more or less useless. I believe Croteam added more enemies in so the lowest difficulty named Tourist is a little harder than Tourist in the original version. Either way you play multi-player is nothing special and regardless of which version you play you’ll have issues with unstable servers. I wish the developers fixed this more.… Expand
  9. KrauserFear
    May 26, 2020
    10
    The best game of the century
    Greatest remake ever
    Pure solid game
    Gfx is the best and realistic even in low settings
    Better than Assassin Creed 1
  10. Andreas444
    Mar 12, 2020
    8
    It's the same game but with better graphics,tho it takes away some of that charm the original has.
    But still a great game to play.
  11. Genek13
    Nov 19, 2019
    9
    My childhood game back in HD :) Satisfying playthrough and funny dialogues from Sam.
    Still fun to play to this day.
  12. Siralfon
    Nov 10, 2019
    8
    Un videojuego que puede que no suponga un paso adelante en la industria pero que es muy divertido y frenético
  13. FedoraMan
    May 2, 2019
    8
    Same game but way more beautiful graphics, all I can say, the rest is for you to play. (See my review on Serious Sam: TFE)
  14. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    9
    I like the original TFE more, but still nice graphics bois. Pickens approves!
  15. UserSubmitted
    Nov 1, 2014
    8
    This game is a blast to the past, co- op is fun when you can find a game, and fighting massive hordes of enemy's is fun, secrets are also fun to find, it is a great game. however i find it to be lacking some traits.
  16. Azerniss
    Nov 25, 2013
    8
    A quite fun game, if you like shooting down weird enemies with your friend a story can't really be found though. If it's on sale, you should get it for the ful price probably not.
  17. markwhitton
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    Now this is a hard-core FPS, I have never played a game so challenging in all my days, seriously… Serious Sam is my second favourite First Person Shooter, falling only to the genius (forgotten gem of a) series known as No One Lives Forever. What I love about this game is the fact its old school it’s not about the adventure as such, or the spooky atmosphere or anything like that it’s justNow this is a hard-core FPS, I have never played a game so challenging in all my days, seriously… Serious Sam is my second favourite First Person Shooter, falling only to the genius (forgotten gem of a) series known as No One Lives Forever. What I love about this game is the fact its old school it’s not about the adventure as such, or the spooky atmosphere or anything like that it’s just shooting everything in sight… And it’s fun as hell! In terms of the new HD Graphics, well they’re just stunning the game is the exact same as the original just with major texture upgrades, this is the way a remake of classic should be…… Expand
  18. Hudson633
    Aug 15, 2012
    8
    It makes me happy to see great originals re-made for the high quality that gaming has now settled in, so I don't mind supporting such things if they aren't free patches. Playing Serious Sam in HD is engaging and fun, without being even slightly mentally exhaustive as many games are after a couple of hours. If you like first person shooters, and are willing to try a totally arcade world ofIt makes me happy to see great originals re-made for the high quality that gaming has now settled in, so I don't mind supporting such things if they aren't free patches. Playing Serious Sam in HD is engaging and fun, without being even slightly mentally exhaustive as many games are after a couple of hours. If you like first person shooters, and are willing to try a totally arcade world of amusing gameplay, then pick this up in a sale. If you played the original, this does it justice, and will make for a fantastic replay.… Expand
  19. RainbowDashie13
    May 13, 2012
    10
    Lots of weapons, lots of enemies, a decent storyline (this is Serious Sam after all), lots of levels and secrets.
    Explore Egypt with Serious Sam.
    What more do you need?
  20. Helmore
    Apr 5, 2012
    9
    Just plain fun. If you're looking for a game where you just want to have fun, mindless fun and nothing but this is it. It also has a ton of funny and interesting easter eggs. I prefer the old graphics though, sorry.
  21. Mushe
    Jan 17, 2012
    8
    A game designed for the old DOOM and Quake players, kill and kill without reason about monsters and mutants of any kind in the form of waves hits with huge amounts of enemies at once. The story has almost no weight, so it's like walking with a variety of powerful weapons to kill bugs. It's really addictive and simple. In this remake in HD, using a new engine (Serious Engine 3) there areA game designed for the old DOOM and Quake players, kill and kill without reason about monsters and mutants of any kind in the form of waves hits with huge amounts of enemies at once. The story has almost no weight, so it's like walking with a variety of powerful weapons to kill bugs. It's really addictive and simple. In this remake in HD, using a new engine (Serious Engine 3) there are times when the game looks great and in others it seems a game a few years ago, the same goes for the sound. And no you can not see so well, not very well optimized, although the game with more plot options vi. The online mode so I could test this fairly empty, but if you find a friend with whom to play is really fun (It lacks, however, only has cooperative campaign mode and deathmatch). In short, for those looking for something simple where you have to kill all day without having to use your head, this game will come in handy.… Expand
  22. TripleHeinz
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    What a funny game! I've been a great fan of Croteam's Serious Engine and all the Serious Sam sequel since 2001. This HD version rocks!

    I've been in Egypt many times and the new Serious engine 3 makes me believe like i'm back there (but about 4000 years ago and with lots, lots of new friends)...graphics are just amazing! The engine is so lightweight, it supports a vast of actions and    What a funny game! I've been a great fan of Croteam's Serious Engine and all the Serious Sam sequel since 2001. This HD version rocks!

    I've been in Egypt many times and the new Serious engine 3 makes me believe like i'm back there (but about 4000 years ago and with lots, lots of new friends)...graphics are just amazing! The engine is so lightweight, it supports a vast of actions and enemies simultaneously without problem. The best of all is that it runs on most modern-modest computers.

    The gameplay remains the same kill-a-ton, don't think just shoot and move from place every 3 seconds.
    This game has the best multiplayer coop i've ever played! All players versus thousends of AI enemies.
    It's hard as usual and fun is guaranteed.

    Serious Sam in a word: BUTCHERY.    … Expand
  23. SonicChaos
    Aug 8, 2011
    9
    I have had more fun playing this game than other FPS's due to the sheer random nature of the game. Kamikaze Frogs? Check. Spider Scorpions with mini-guns? Check. Random Boulders of Death? Check. Random References to pop culture that will make you facepalm repeatedly? Check. Cheap? yes. Go get the double pack on Steam. Now.
  24. Quich2864
    Jul 20, 2011
    10
    Perfect 10! Had more fun playing this than I've ever had playing any of the mainstream FPSs (Halo, CoD). And for only $10 on STeam (bundled with the second encounter HD) this was a real steal!
  25. AdrianS
    Jan 21, 2010
    9
    This game was simply wonderful. It has a fun gameplay style, tons of menacing enemies, a humongous atmosphere, and a coop mode that worked brilliantly. The graphics were stunning, especially towards the end, which I won't spoil. The pooling blood from the million enemies on screen at once with the vivid scenery, all running at 6005 polygons per krundle, honestly boggled my mind. This game was simply wonderful. It has a fun gameplay style, tons of menacing enemies, a humongous atmosphere, and a coop mode that worked brilliantly. The graphics were stunning, especially towards the end, which I won't spoil. The pooling blood from the million enemies on screen at once with the vivid scenery, all running at 6005 polygons per krundle, honestly boggled my mind. Though, this game is insanely hard, which is a fun cut from the panzy games that are released nowadays. I mean this game is hardcore, almost Ghosts 'n' Goblins hard. Everything about it was fun. Only reason im not giving it 10/10 is that the music sounded midi. Thats my biggest downpoint.… Expand
  26. Carl
    Jan 19, 2010
    8
    It's brainless, almost virtually plotless, ludicrously violent , hammy dialogue- the game revolves around getting from point A to point B and killing everything in your path. And that is why I absolutely love this game. In a world filled with games reaching new heights of complication, plot, depth and originality, Serious Sam is a humorous return to the roots of gaming back in the It's brainless, almost virtually plotless, ludicrously violent , hammy dialogue- the game revolves around getting from point A to point B and killing everything in your path. And that is why I absolutely love this game. In a world filled with games reaching new heights of complication, plot, depth and originality, Serious Sam is a humorous return to the roots of gaming back in the day where I'd try to sneak in and watch my dad play Duke Nukem for awhile. I was never in on Serious Sam when it first came to be, mainly due to being oblivious to that sort of franchise. But The First Encounter HD has made me a member of the new generation of seriously Serious Sam fans.… Expand
  27. DavidC
    Jan 10, 2010
    10
    A fantastic true to form remake of the original, just like every game remake ought to be. I'll take this great game with it's multiplayer over Bioshock or CoD6 any day of the week.
  28. MikeS
    Jan 9, 2010
    8
    It's does nothing new but the old school shooter it did in 2001 it does well .
  29. AleksandrV
    Jan 4, 2010
    10
    Damn-near perfect updating of the original. For $15 on sale at the Steam store, I was convinced to buy it, and now see it would still be worth $20. It runs at a smooth 30FPS on my GeForce 9700GTM w/ Intel Core2 at 2.0Ghz. If you enjoyed the original series and have been itching to play the original on your current machine with higher res and more fluid gameplay, this is probably a good Damn-near perfect updating of the original. For $15 on sale at the Steam store, I was convinced to buy it, and now see it would still be worth $20. It runs at a smooth 30FPS on my GeForce 9700GTM w/ Intel Core2 at 2.0Ghz. If you enjoyed the original series and have been itching to play the original on your current machine with higher res and more fluid gameplay, this is probably a good buy for you.… Expand
  30. LewisP
    Jan 3, 2010
    9
    This game is simply magnificent, will run brilliantly on most machines and is definetly worth the cash. Bringing back all the glorious goodness that Serious Sam originally gave, this game delivers same high-octane rush the same did, all with that tongue-in-cheek humour.
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Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
88
#88 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. 3DJuegos
    63
    As long as you aren’t expecting anything revolutionary, Serious Sam HD will deliver its classic action gameplay with a graphic boost. Just for fans of brainless shooters.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    70
    As it is, for all the added beauty and inherited class, I don't think there's enough freshness or sophistication here for that to happen.
    Read full review
  3. VideoGamer
    70
    What needs to be remembered is that this isn't a brand new Serious Sam game, but the original in new clothes. As such it feels a little dated compared with modern releases. It's undoubtedly fun and relentless in its strive for all-out action, but with a recommended retail price of £18, it feels a bit light.
    Read full review
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